For as much I want to tie a neat bow around the concept of pain, sometimes there are no easy answers.
Yes… I see the good that comes out of struggle, the way it rouses a deaf world to become more attuned to God, to each other. Certainly, pain can come from our doing, the sin of others, the effects of a fallen world. But I also see how it comes uninvited, almost unfairly, and honestly, it’s these mysteries that are so hard.
Either way, where there is pain, there is no coasting. No auto pilot. The ride is too uncomfortable. Pain doesn’t just sit weightless. It demands something… especially, long-lasting pain that blurs through the lines of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, until it’s too hard to decipher what’s coming from what…
By no means have I arrived at perfect clarity here, but I have learned that for as much that is out of our control…we always get to choose what we believe.
Through every setback, relapse, trial that comes into our lives, we have to choose what we believe about our pain.
In the face of every insecurity or loss, in all that tries to define us, we have to choose what to believe about ourselves.
When pain and suffering seem to drag on unnecessarily in our world and in the world at large, seeming to slip through the hands of a sleeping God, we are forced to choose what we believe about Him.
These choices, I know, are incredibly hard… but they can be helpful. They forge us out of shallowness. And hopefully, all of this has the potential to grow us in ways we could never grow otherwise.
But sometimes our pain doesn’t grow us, it simply destroys us.
I believe this is where we have to draw a line in the sand. It is one thing to accept in humility that falls and struggles may come, but it is an entirely different matter to become completely defeated.
When pain continues on beyond hope, beyond what even feels shareable … then it’s no longer a noble teacher. Unfortunately, it becomes a huge barrier.
Here are some of the lies that I battled during a particularly long and difficult flare with Lyme Disease and related conditions. I share here also the Biblical truths that I held on to (literally clung on to with all my might through the sheer grace of God!) during that trying time:
1. Pain says you’re too far gone.
The truth is, you are forgiven.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1 John 1:9
2. Pain says you’re weak.
The truth is, you are strong in Him.
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. ~ Psalm 29:11
3. Pain says you’re alone.
The truth is, God will not leave you.
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ~ John 14:18
4. Pain says your life is over.
The truth is, God is not finished with the “good’ work ” He has begun in you.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ~ Philippians 1:6
5. Pain says to fear.
The truth is, God says, you have been given the power to overcome fear.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
6. Pain says there’s no hope.
The truth is, God is your immoveable hope through the Holy Spirit.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. ~ Romans 15:13
7. Pain says you are no longer acceptable.
But God says, you are my child.
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. ~ John 1:21
8. Pain says you can’t hang on for another moment.
But God says, wait on me.
Those that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31
9. Pain says you are overwhelmed; the waters are too deep.
But God says, trust in me.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. ~ Isaiah 26:3
10. Pain says you are defeated.
But the truth is, He is able to give us the victory through Christ.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:57
***
So dear warriors, whatever the trial, let’s draw a line in the sand with the power of God’s promises. It is not easy. But let’s keep moving forward, in courage and truth, and always in hope.
Please check out “Losing Normal” as this reflects a similar theme. š
invited by grace 
This gave me goosebumps, Kim! So beautifully written. It can be so hard to see the purpose in our pain at times – but God is always so good and if we trust Him through it there is so much beauty on the other side. Bless you!
Megan, it is hard to understand the whys of pain, ours and that of others. I never really had to search my own heart so deeply about this issue as I did these past few years. I didn’t find all the answers, but I was reminded of His promises. There are so many to hold on to… and the number one I learned through the fire was to learn not to fear. I still have a ways to go, but little steps! He is good. š
beautiful words, beautifully written…and many of those scriptures have held me together over the years! thank you for sharing and encouraging and testifying!!
It’s great to hear for you. I am glad that you too have held on to these Scriptures. It’s definitely when we are hurting that these truths are ever so powerful, so life-giving. I am humbled to share and testify about my “messy joyful” life. I do love the title of your blog. It says it all, really. š
oh thank you! it’s nice to catch up on your posts!=) they always resonate in my soul. definetly a God given blog name for me=)!!
I love your Bible quotes countering pain with the truth of God’s love, strength, and promises. It’s so uplifting and critical to make these words indelible in our hearts.
I really like the word you used, “indelible.” For years, I just took those verses mostly for granted… but, in recent years, they have been my strength. I have heard it said that we should pray with our Bible open… reminding ourselves of God’s promises at all times. They are what will get us through. Thanks so much for commenting here. š
Thank you.
I really needed these words of encouragement today
Please hang in there, brother. You are not alone. The battles you fight are real, but His strength is perfect and will equip you with what you cannot do on your own. God sees your heart and will bless you despite the opposition. Hang in there.
Amen!
Such a great and faith-building post, Kim.
Thank you.
Thank you Bill. I have been learning so much from your posts. I am very much encouraged by your perspective and faith.
This is wonderful! Thank you so much for the reminders!
Thanks. I have been wanting to share some of my favorite verses for some time. š I am thankful it was a good reminder!
Kim, I love this. It is simply beautiful how you are holding on to those truth in the midst of difficult times and pain. Your faith is an inspiration and I thank God that he is using you to bring light to others. Thank you!
Thank you Abby for your encouraging words.:) Thank you too for sharing your thoughts and faith with us through your wonderful writing. š
So inspirational! I feel so bad for you and your health struggle, but I greatly admire the way you are using it to encourage.
Thanks so much for your kind words! So glad this could be encouraging. His Word truly has the power to change our hearts and lives. I am actually doing much better these days. š
So glad you’re doing better!!!
Beautifully written and very encouraging!
Thank you Heather. š Blessings to you today.
Your truths are so helpful…thanks for sharing. It is easy to hear these truths from someone who is has fought a battle themselves. May you enter into a more peaceful season…
Amy, so good to hear from you! Even though my health has gotten better , I still can’t forget that long and difficult season. Even now, I still have to hold on to these truths just to fight for joy every single day! Thank you so much for commenting!
Awesome and Awe-inspiring, thank you.
So great to hear from you! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I hope you are doing well!